Sarcoma Stomp - By Kelly Brown
- Kelly Brown
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
My favorite season is the season of awakening. One that brings bundles of yellow flowers, buds waiting to burst forth and color the branches of southern trees in vibrant hues while pale landscapes turn green seemingly overnight. A season of longing for brighter days and the early morning chirping of birds. But beyond the emerging beauty, this season brings hope for a family of strangers bound together through the rare cancer that is Sarcoma.
The Sarcoma Stomp is held every April in Charlotte NC to continue the vision of Paula Takacs. As a young mother, Paula was diagnosed with Liposarcoma soon after birthing her son in 2004. At the time of diagnosis there were no dedicated Sarcoma Centers in Charlotte and funding for Sarcoma research was grossly lacking. She had a vision to make a difference for the Sarcoma community by creating The Paula Takacs Foundation. The initial goal, to raise crucial funds for Sarcoma research. Sarcomas are rare bone and soft tissue cancers. They account for 1% of all adult cancer diagnoses and 15% of all pediatric cancer diagnoses. Soft tissue sarcomas are more common than bone and there are over 100 Sarcoma subtypes.
When I personally received a cancer diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma, I had never even heard of sarcomas. My world suddenly felt smaller, lonelier. But, after a single surgery I was cancer free and through social media, I discovered The Paula Takacs Foundation and I knew the impact they were making was vital in the fight against sarcoma.
I attended my first Sarcoma Stomp in April 2022, a little more than a year after my Chondrosarcoma diagnosis and surgery. I opted to walk the 3k accompanied by a few of my favorite people. For the first time since my surgery, I felt surrounded by people that understood - no uneasy stares at the long scar on my leg, no awkward looks as I walked really slow with a limp. There was a deep sense of unity and a common purpose, to honor loved ones, celebrate progress and uplift the sarcoma community. We were a family that no one would choose, but a family nonetheless.
As I was walked the 3k, I remember feeling overwhelmingly thankful to be able to participate. The 3k walk offered a great alternative to the 5k run, making participation possible for those who couldn’t run. When I received an endoprosthesis in my leg I was told I couldn’t run again. It wasn’t a big deal at the time because running was never really my preferred method of exercise. For those who love running, the 5k is still an option and I hear it can get pretty competitive!
Both the walk and run go through a scenic South Charlotte neighborhood, followed by a celebration featuring race awards, team spirit recognition, and fundraising acknowledgments. The after-party shines as an honor to each participant and volunteer.
More than just a race, the Sarcoma Stomp has become an annual gathering, an opportunity to raise funds, increase awareness, and rise up in unwavering support of all those affected by sarcoma.
Sarcoma Statistics
Paula’s Story
